Lake Raqqa

Lake Raqqa is an artificial lake stretching more than 80 kilometers along the Euphrates River, formed behind the Tabqa Dam. Its shoreline runs through dry hills and occasional floodplains, with a few islands rising from the water.

The dam was built in the late 1960s with Soviet and West German support to generate electricity and provide water for agriculture. The reservoir filled between 1973 and 1974 after the gates were closed.

The name Assad comes from former president Hafiz al-Assad, who took control of Syria when the dam became operational. Fishing trawlers cross the water near settlements rebuilt after the flooding, bringing catches to shore for local markets.

Access to the shoreline is possible from several points along the main road running from Raqqa to Tabqa. The area is dry and hot, so carrying enough drinking water for any visit is advisable.

Excavation teams recovered Stone Age settlement remains before the lake flooded, now housed in museums outside Syria. Jazirat al-Thawra, an island within the water, was declared a protected area for migratory birds that visit mostly in winter.

GPS coordinates: 36.00000,38.17111

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:29